How your smartphone can make your online life much safer?

MUMBAI, INDIA: Who hasn't heard about generation Y, the age group born between the mid-1980s and 2000s amidst computers and cell phones? They were, joking aside, already connected to the Internet when toddling around in a nappy.

Some characteristics that typify this generation are family-centrism, which implies that they insist upon well-balanced working hours and flexible schedules, so that they can prioritize family over work in order to achieve an optimal work/life harmony. Furthermore, this age group is said to be achievement-oriented, meaning that these youngsters are confident, ambitious and pitch their expectations high. They are also perceived as attention-craving, asking a lot of feedback and guidance. And, last but not least, they are famous to be tech-savvy.

It is no exaggeration that this generation has a reputation as to be addicted to its smart phone:9 out of 10 youngsters admit that checking their smartphone has become a steady part of their waking up ritual. Even before brushing their teeth, they have already checked the virtual world. This routine carries on without abatement for the rest of the day. 1 out of 5 checks his or her smartphone every ten minutes, everywhere, in the lavatory, in bed and even when driving. When they do not have their mobile device with them, two out of five would feel anxious, just as if a part of them is missing.

A major part of their lives takes place online: shopping, dating, and connecting with friends and family via social networks, sharing pictures, gaming... Beside some skeptics' fear that young adults might replace their real world by a virtual world,this evolution has some advantages we have to capitalize on. Why not make a virtue of this smart phone necessity and exploit the continuous presence of this objectby using it as the perfect tool to protect your online life?

How?

Well, let me first tell you this: most people tend to use the same password for a whole number of personal and professional online applications and accounts. By using the same static password, your - sometimes confidential - information is put at risk. However, one-time passwords can tackle this problem.

This is where the smart phone can be propitious.

A simple software authentication application on your smartphone - called DIGIPASS for Mobile - generates one-time passwords (OTPs). Such time-based authentication codes are the most effective defense against cyber-attacks, as these passwords can, obviously, only be used once during a limited period of time. Nowadays, it has become even easier, as DIGIPASS for Mobile also supports QR code scanning. You only have to scan the QR code, and an OTP is generated. Both simple and convenient.

In a nutshell, generation Y's craving for its smart phones can be turned into a lusty way to protect their beloved online life.

(The author is president and COO of VASCO Data Security)